Abstract
The effect is studied of steel fibres on the confinement in a reinforced concrete column subjected to high axial load, and, in turn, on the peak load and the corresponding strain and ductility. 14 short columns with and without steel fibres were tested. The main variables in the study were the volume fraction and the aspect ratio of the steel fibre. The measured ultimate strength, the corresponding strain and the energy-absorbing capability were found to be in excess of the corresponding values obtained when confinement was provided by stirrups only. On the contrary, strains in the transverse reinforcement were signicantly reduced by the addition of steel fibres.